FGI Chicago’s 11th Rising Star Awards

Saturday, October 10, 2026
11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Public Works Gallery
2141 W. North Avenue, Chicago, IL

Celebrate the future of Chicagoland’s fashion and beauty industry at the 11th FGI Chicago Rising Star Awards.

The FGI Chicago Rising Star Awards recognize outstanding emerging professionals making an impact across Chicagoland’s fashion and beauty industry. This year, 15 finalists across five categories will be celebrated for their creativity, talent and contributions to Chicago’s fashion community.

Join FGI Chicago for an inspiring afternoon featuring a grazing brunch, professional networking, finalist displays and the Rising Star Awards ceremony, where the 2026 FGI Chicago Rising Star Award recipients will be revealed.

The celebration will be led by Master of Ceremonies Sharaun Brown, who will also receive the 2026 FGI Chicago Trailblazer Award. Photographer Denise Belyea will be honored with the 2026 FGI Chicago Visual Impact Award.

FGI members, fashion and creative industry professionals, friends, supporters and the public are all welcome.

2026 FGI Chicago Rising Star Award Finalists

Footwear

• Yohance LaCour — YJL
• Vanessa Arroyo — SERES®
• Holly Garrard — Fundae Shoes

Fashion Design

• Angela Aeschliman — Aesch Liman, Co.
• Brian S. Leon — KOUSH
• Raj Patel — Karmic Couture

Fashion Stylist

• Rahela Tanase — Intuitive Fashion & Rahela Designs
• Christina Schutz — Lookbook Stylist
• Matteo Frausto — The Thrifted Gay

Fashion Content Creator

• Juliann Brown — Juliann Marie
• Brit Cooper Robinson — Dressing for the Dopamine
• Ticara Devone — Ticara Devone

Beauty

• Shureice Kornegay — Fleeky Friday
• Alexandra Carrillo — By The Polish
• Darrell Spencer — Crowned Skin

Master of Ceremonies & Trailblazer Award Honoree: Sharaun Brown

FGI Chicago is proud to present the 2026 FGI Chicago Trailblazer Award to Sharaun Brown, recognizing her innovation, leadership and influence in forging new paths within the fashion industry.

Sharaun Brown is an international supermodel, television host, speaker, media personality, and Founder & CEO of The Model Tribe. A finalist on America’s Next Top Model, she has built a dynamic career spanning fashion, television, and live entertainment, most recently serving as the Official Trophy Model Presenter at the 2025 and 2026 Grammy Awards and the 2026 Disney Legends Awards at D23. Her work has placed her onstage for iconic moments alongside Beyoncé, Lady Gaga, Taylor Swift, Diana Ross, Cher, Doechii, Kendrick Lamar, Ryan Seacrest, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, and many more. Through The Model Tribe, Sharaun also mentors and empowers the next generation of models and creatives.

Sharaun will serve as Master of Ceremonies for the 11th FGI Chicago Rising Star Awards.

Visual Impact Award Honoree: Denise Belyea

FGI Chicago is proud to present the 2026 FGI Chicago Visual Impact Award to photographer Denise Belyea in recognition of her distinctive visual storytelling and contributions to Chicago’s fashion image-making community.

Denise will be honored during the Rising Star Awards ceremony alongside this year’s emerging talent and fellow honorary award recipient Sharaun Brown.

Event Highlights

• Grazing brunch
• Professional networking
• 2026 Rising Star finalist exhibits and displays
• Presentation of the 2026 FGI Chicago Trailblazer Award to Sharaun Brown
• Presentation of the 2026 FGI Chicago Visual Impact Award to Denise Belyea
• FGI Chicago Rising Star Awards presentation
• Announcement of the 2026 Rising Star Award recipients
• Master of Ceremonies Sharaun Brown

Event Schedule

10:30 AM – VIP Admission
11:00 AM – General Admission
2:00 PM – Event Concludes

Dress Code

Chic Brunch Attire

Ticket Options

General Admission — $75

Includes the networking grazing brunch, finalist exhibits, Rising Star Awards presentation and post-awards networking. Limited presentation seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

VIP Admission — $100

Includes the full General Admission experience plus 10:30 AM early entry, VIP gift bag and reserved presentation seating.

FGI Members receive $15 off General Admission and VIP tickets with their member discount code.

Buying 2 VIP tickets? Consider a $250 Starlight Sponsorship for guaranteed reserved seating, sponsor recognition and additional event benefits.

Purchase Tickets

Sponsorship Opportunities

Support Chicagoland’s emerging fashion and beauty professionals while showcasing your business to an engaged audience of industry leaders, creatives, entrepreneurs and innovators.

Sponsorship opportunities are available directly through the event:

• Starlight Sponsor — $250
• Eclipse Sponsor — $500
• Constellation Sponsor — $1,000
• Nebula Sponsor — $2,000
• Supernova Sponsor — $5,000

Each sponsorship level includes event admission, reserved seating, marketing recognition and additional benefits based on sponsorship level. Full benefits and specifications are available in the sponsorship packet.

View the 2026 Rising Star Awards Sponsorship Packet

2026 Sponsors & Partners

The 2026 FGI Chicago Rising Star Awards are presented with support from Public Works Gallery, The Model Tribe, Naked Life and Gotham Bagels.

We thank our sponsors and partners for supporting FGI Chicago’s mission to connect, support and provide opportunities for professionals across Chicago’s fashion and creative industries.

Sponsorship opportunities remain available for organizations interested in supporting the 11th FGI Chicago Rising Star Awards and connecting with Chicago’s fashion community.

View the Sponsorship Packet:

2026_FGICHI_RS_SponsorPacket-1

 

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Press Releases:

9/9/2026: FGIChi_2026_RisingStarAwards_PressRelease2

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

FGI Chicago Announces 15 Rising Star Award Finalists and Two Honorary Award Recipients

Finalists across five categories and two honorary award recipients will be recognized during the 11th FGI Chicago awards celebration on Oct. 10.

CHICAGO — Sept. 9, 2026 — Fashion Group International (FGI) Chicago has announced the 15 finalists and two honorary award recipients who will be celebrated at the 11th FGI Chicago Rising Star Awards on Saturday, Oct. 10, at Public Works Gallery in Chicago.

Representing fashion design, footwear, styling, content creation and beauty, this year’s finalists reflect the breadth of talent shaping Chicago’s fashion and creative industries. Before the winners are revealed in October, the public is invited to meet the finalists and discover their work at On the Rise: Celebrating Chicago’s Rising Stars—Past and Future on Sept. 17.

2026 FGI Chicago Rising Star Award Finalists

Footwear

Yohance Lacour — YJL
Vanessa Arroyo — SERES®
Holly Garrard — Fundae Shoes

Fashion Designer — Ready to Wear

Angela Aeschliman — Aesch Liman, Co.
Brian S. Leon — KOUSH
Raj Patel — Karmic Couture

Fashion Stylist

Rahela Tanase — Intuitive Fashion & Rahela Designs
Christina Schutz — Lookbook Stylist
Matteo Frausto — The Thrifted Gay

Fashion Content Creator

Juliann Brown — Juliann Marie
Brit Cooper Robinson — Dressing for the Dopamine
Ticara Devone — Ticara Devone

Beauty

Shureice Kornegay — Fleeky Friday
Alexandra Carrillo — By The Polish
Darrell Spencer — Crowned Skin

Two Honorary Awards Celebrate Creative Impact

The 11th FGI Chicago Rising Star Awards will also honor two members of Chicago’s creative community whose work and influence extend beyond this year’s competitive categories.

Sharaun Brown will receive the FGI Chicago Trailblazer Award in recognition of her influential career as a model, television personality and advocate for emerging talent. She will also serve as master of ceremonies for the 11th FGI Chicago Rising Star Awards.

Photographer Denise Belyea will receive the FGI Chicago Visual Impact Award for her distinctive visual storytelling and contributions to Chicago’s fashion image-making community.

Meet Chicago’s Rising Stars on Sept. 17

Ahead of the 11th FGI Chicago Rising Star Awards, FGI Chicago will host On the Rise: Celebrating Chicago’s Rising Stars—Past and Future on Thursday, Sept. 17, from 6-9 p.m. at Industrious Central Loop sponsored by ALLY Shoes.

Designed to connect Chicago’s fashion community across generations, the ticketed evening gives guests an opportunity to meet the 2026 finalists, explore displays of their work and connect with fellow professionals from across the industry. Sept. 17 is also the final day for FGI Chicago members to cast their votes for the 2026 Rising Star Award winners.

The evening will feature A Conversation with the 2024 Winners, moderated by Jess Crane, regional director of FGI Chicago. Panelists include Dana Asady of Mabrook Bridal, Samantha Dong of ALLY Shoes, Nasreen Hussain of Neisa Studio and Teddi Krochman of @teddilovesfashion.

The conversation will explore what has happened since their 2024 wins, how their careers and businesses have evolved, and what comes after being named a Rising Star.

On the Rise: Celebrating Chicago’s Rising Stars—Past and Future
Thursday, Sept. 17, 2026 | 6-9 p.m.
Industrious Central Loop | 231 S. LaSalle St., Suite 2100, Chicago

Winners Revealed Oct. 10

The 11th FGI Chicago Rising Star Awards will take place Saturday, Oct. 10, at Public Works Gallery, where the winners in all five categories will be revealed.

Guests will gather for a grazing brunch, finalist displays, networking and the awards ceremony. Sharaun Brown and Denise Belyea will also be presented with their honorary awards during the ceremony.

The 2026 FGI Chicago Rising Star Awards are presented with support from Public Works Gallery, The Model Tribe, Naked Life and Gotham Bagels.

Sponsorship opportunities remain available for organizations interested in supporting the 11th FGI Chicago Rising Star Awards and connecting with Chicago’s fashion community. For sponsorship information, visit fgi.org/chicago or contact fgichicago@gmail.com.

11th FGI Chicago Rising Star Awards
Saturday, Oct. 10, 2026 | 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
VIP entry | 10:30 a.m.
Public Works Gallery | 2141 W. North Ave., Chicago
Chic brunch attire

Tickets and event information for On the Rise and the 11th FGI Chicago Rising Star Awards are available at fgi.org/chicago.

About Fashion Group International Chicago

Established in 1934, Fashion Group International (FGI) Chicago is the Chicago Region of FGI, a global professional membership organization connecting and supporting professionals across fashion, beauty, retail and related creative industries. FGI Chicago is volunteer-run and provides educational programming, networking opportunities and industry resources to its members and the broader Chicago fashion community.

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8/19/2026: FGIChi_2026_RisingStarAwards_PressRelease1

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Sharaun Brown Named 2026 FGI Chicago Trailblazer Award Honoree and Master of Ceremonies for 11th Rising Star Awards

International supermodel, television host, entrepreneur, and Founder & CEO of The Model Tribe will be honored as FGI Chicago celebrates the emerging professionals shaping the future of Chicagoland fashion.

CHICAGO, IL — FGI Chicago will honor international supermodel, television host, speaker, media personality, and Founder & CEO of The Model Tribe Sharaun Brown with the 2026 FGI Chicago Trailblazer Award at the 11th FGI Chicago Rising Star Awards on Saturday, October 10, 2026, at Public Works Gallery in Chicago. Brown will also take the stage as Master of Ceremonies, leading FGI Chicago’s celebration of emerging talent and the people helping move Chicago’s fashion industry forward.

The FGI Chicago Trailblazer Award recognizes an individual whose vision, innovation, leadership, and influence have helped forge new paths within the fashion industry. A finalist on America’s Next Top Model, Brown has built a dynamic career spanning fashion, television, and live entertainment, most recently serving as the Official Trophy Model Presenter at the 2025 and 2026 Grammy Awards and the 2026 Disney Legends Awards at D23. Her work has placed her onstage for iconic moments alongside some of the biggest names in entertainment. Through The Model Tribe, Sharaun also mentors and empowers the next generation of models and creatives.

“Sharaun embodies what the Trailblazer Award represents—someone who continues to evolve, create new opportunities, and forge her own path in the fashion industry,” said Jessica Crane, Regional Director of FGI Chicago. “Her career demonstrates that there is no single path to success, and that is an important message for the emerging professionals we celebrate through the FGI Chicago Rising Star Awards. We are honored to recognize Sharaun and thrilled to have her lead this year’s celebration as our Master of Ceremonies.”

“Receiving the FGI Chicago Trailblazer Award is an incredible honor, especially from a fashion community that has meant so much to me throughout my career. I’ve always believed success is about more than the opportunities you receive—it’s also about creating opportunities for those coming behind you. I hope to continue opening doors and inspiring the next generation to see just how far they can go.”
— Sharaun Brown

The FGI Chicago Rising Star Awards recognize emerging Chicagoland professionals building their careers and businesses across fashion and its related industries. Eligible nominees have been in business or professional practice for one to seven years. Through member-driven nominations and voting, the program provides a platform to recognize rising talent while strengthening connections between emerging and established professionals throughout Chicago’s fashion community.

The 11th FGI Chicago Rising Star Awards will bring together professionals from across the region to discover emerging talent, build industry connections, and celebrate the creativity and innovation happening within Chicagoland. The event will feature a grazing brunch, professional networking, finalist exhibits, the Rising Star Awards presentation, and the presentation of the 2026 FGI Chicago Trailblazer Award to Brown.

The 11th FGI Chicago Rising Star Awards will take place Saturday, October 10, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Public Works Gallery, 2141 W. North Avenue, Chicago. Tickets and sponsorship opportunities are now available at FGI.ORG/Chicago.

About FGI Chicago

Founded in 1934, FGI Chicago is the Chicago Region of Fashion Group International, a global professional membership organization serving the fashion, beauty, lifestyle, retail, and related industries. FGI Chicago brings together emerging and established professionals through industry-focused education, professional networking, development opportunities, and recognition programs designed to strengthen connections, foster collaboration, and advance Chicagoland’s fashion community. As part of FGI’s international network, Chicago members are connected to a broader community of industry professionals and resources around the world.

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